Mark Your Calendars - Kindergarten Kickoffs on April 22

Children who have turned five years of age before August 1, 2026, are eligible for kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year and are invited to our Kindergarten Kickoffs in our elementaries on April 22.

Families are encouraged to use our school locator tool or boundary map on the District website, or call the District office at 816-858-5420 for confirmation of attendance area, then complete the New Student Enrollment forms for the 2026-27 school year. Families with current Great Beginnings students entering kindergarten will complete returning student enrollment forms at a later date. If you know of a family with a child entering kindergarten, please pass this information along.

Save the Dates! Summer School 2026: June 1-29

Hard to believe now, but summer will be here before we know it! K-12 Summer School will be scheduled for June 1-29 at the following locations:

• Pathfinder Elementary: For all K-5th grade southern attendance area students (Pathfinder and Barry Elementaries)
• Siegrist Elementary: For all K-5th grade northern attendance area students (Compass and Siegrist Elementaries)
• PCMS: For all 6th-8th grade students, and 9th-12th grade students

Enrollment for K-8 Summer School will begin in March via PowerSchool Parent Portal, and information about enrolling in the High School summer school program will be available in April.

PCR-3 Welcomes New Administrators, Internal Appointments

Platte County School District is pleased to announce several leadership appointments that will guide our work moving into the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Jessica Dain will serve as Deputy Superintendent as current Deputy Superintendent Dr. Drew White will begin as Superintendent in 2026-27; Dr. Hawar Khalandi, current Director of College & Career Readiness, has been named Executive Director of Teaching & Learning; Dr. Aaron Duff, current Director of Secondary Education, will serve as Director of College & Career Readiness; and Robert Mueller, current Platte City Middle School Assistant Principal will transition to Director of Secondary Education. Read more about each of these leaders and their backgrounds in the full article.

Pirate Pride: PCR-3 Hosts Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

For the Pirate Pride portion of the February meeting, the Board recognized staff members Jessica Ratsch and LeeAnn Turner (Special Olympics Sponsors), Brandon Detrick (Custodian), and Gabe Middleton (Activities Director), who, along with many student and community volunteers, were instrumental in hosting the successful January 17 Special Olympics Missouri 2026 KC Area Basketball Tournament. We welcomed nearly 500 athletes from 27 KC-metro teams across multiple District facilities for the event, and have already been asked to host again next year.

Extraordinary Educators: Staff Recognition

Each month, PCR-3 will recognize staff members who are bringing our Strategic Plan to life by exemplifying one or more of the following strategies: providing meaningful experiences; creating safe, respectful environments; fostering a culture of innovation and excellence; and building collaborative community partnerships.

At the February meeting we recognized Coleen Johnson, Dr. Sarah Majors, Neil O'Brien, Wayne Baskerville, and Leo Smith, members of PCHS's Algebra I Team, as Extraordinary Educators. Through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to our students, they are using student work and targeted support to adjust instruction in real time, ensuring every learner feels supported, challenged, and equipped with instruction aligned to their individual needs.

2025 Bond Issue Project Update

Newkirk Novak project managers reviewed construction progress of our 2025 Bond Issue projects.

PCHS Phase 2: Construction at Platte County High School is hitting some major milestones. The steel structure is now fully complete, and roofing installation is underway to bring the space one step closer to being weather-tight. Exterior walls have been finished on the two-story classroom wing, and mechanical and electrical systems along with interior framing are well underway. The masonry work is scheduled to begin in the coming week.

NWDC Project Update

JE Dunn project managers reviewed construction progress of the Northland Workforce Development Center.

At the NWDC project, structural steel for the two-story portion of the building is being set. The slab-on-grade work is nearing completion with the last two pours happening in early March. Subgrade has been installed for the perimeter drive and parking lots, permanent power underground rough-in has begun, and storm line installation is now complete.

Facilities and Operations Strategic Plan Update

At the February meeting, Dr. Devin Doll provided an update on the District's Facilities and Operations, which encompass areas such as transportation, custodial and maintenance services, safety and security, energy management, and food service. As part of the District’s ongoing commitment to effectively manage growth, finances, and support services to boost student achievement, while ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students, Dr. Doll shared key strategies, outcomes, and outlined the following improvement priorities:

• Conduct an audit of facilities and spaces to ensure accessibility and support crisis prevention, while reviewing and revising districtwide safety and security procedures, and ensuring all training aligns with current best practices.
• Refine processes for preventative maintenance and facility enhancements to support high-quality learning environments, and explore grant and partnership opportunities to secure funding for districtwide facility projects.
• Collaborate with the Early Learning Committee to expand access to early learning opportunities, ensuring students are academically and behaviorally prepared to enter kindergarten.

Google Family STEM Day - Feb. 28

We’re teaming with Smithville School District to bring you Google Family STEM Day, Saturday, February 28, at Platte Purchase Middle School! K-12 students and their families are invited to a fun, hands-on STEM experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Explore modern technology, tackle interactive challenges, and discover the power of innovation together. Space is limited so register early! See flier for details.

Community Band Concert - Mar. 1

The Platte City Community Band presents "A Celebration of Women in Music" Sunday, March 1, 3pm in the Platte City Middle School Gymnasium, featuring The Kansas City Chorus, A Women’s Barbershop. Free Admission - sponsored by the Platte City Friends of the Arts. See flier for details.

PCHS Cheer Stunt Clinic - Mar 3

PCHS Cheerleaders are inviting K-8th graders to learn stunting skills with them at their stunt clinic on March 3.

Sign up here and see flier for details!

Alice in Wonderland - Mar. 4, 5, & 7

Don’t be late for this very important date! Platte County High School Theatre presents: ALICE IN WONDERLAND, the Winter Mainstage Play. Step into a world of curiosity, creativity, and classic storytelling brought to life by the students. Great for all ages! Purchase tickets here and see flier for details.

Retiree Appreciation Breakfast - Mar. 10

All PCR-3 retirees are invited to join us on March 10 at 8:45 AM at Platte Purchase Middle School for a special morning of connection and celebration. Enjoy breakfast, brief District updates, and time to reconnect with colleagues while learning ways to stay involved.

RSVP by March 2: 816-858-5420 or via this RSVP form. See flier for details.

An Evening at the Kauffman - Mar. 16

On March 16 at 7pm, our PCHS band, choir, and theater students will take the stage in Helzberg Hall, showcasing their talent in a world-class setting. Proceeds from the evening will be donated back to PCHS to support and enrich our performing arts programs - an unforgettable experience for our students and our community. Tickets are about to sell out! Purchase tickets here.

World Down Syndrome Day Walk - Mar. 21

On March 21, all are invited to join as a community to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with a 3.21-mile walk around the indoor track at PCHS Pirate Fieldhouse! Register for the walk and order your t-shirt here. See flier for details.

Northland Ethnic Festival - April 11

We're hosting the annual Northland Ethnic Festival April 11 at Platte Purchase Middle School! Save the date for an afternoon full of performances, snacks, learning and fun! Admission and parking are free. See flier for details.

March 6: End of 3rd Quarter, 3-hour early dismissal

March 13: Report Cards Go Home

March 17 (Tuesday): Board of Education Meeting, 6:30pm, (reconvene from closed session which begins at 5:30pm)

March 30-April 3: No School, Spring Break

Thank you to our Pirates ROCK Stars!

Thank you to all our Pirates ROCK Star business partners who support character education in our schools including our District-wide Pirates ROCK Star business partner for 2025-26: United Fiber.

The mission of the Platte County School District is to ensure our learners thrive in an ever-changing world with confidence and resilience, prepared to pursue their unique futures.